More Than Pardon...
Good morning, Immanuel. We might have come for the forgiveness, but we stay for the friendship.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith…” (Romans 5:1-2a).
I've seen some clever invitations in my life, and one that recently caught my attention was an advertisement that read, "Come for the food, stay for the friendship." The invitation understands the basic appeal that good food has on us while anticipating the much deeper craving we have for relationships.
A similar dynamic occurs as we begin the Christian life. Initially, we may be drawn by the promise of a full and complete pardon for our sins. The realization that we no longer have to bear the burden of guilt is a liberating reality. Equally astounding is being clothed in the righteousness of Christ. That's good news, and the saints will forever praise the glory of God's grace in Christ! Forgiveness of sins should never get old or stale to us.
But the good news doesn’t stop at the pardon of sins. Pardon has a purpose, and that purpose involves restored fellowship with God Himself. In Christ, we receive more than God's forgiveness; we get God’s fellowship! We have access! The gospel removes every barrier that hinders us from enjoying God's life-giving friendship. So, we get more than pardon, we get God Himself. Put another way, we might have come for the forgiveness, but we stay for the friendship.